Rita B. (Bermingham) Gayeski, formerly of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. She was 102 years old.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 23, 1923, Rita was the cherished daughter of the late Daniel and Mary (Finn) Bermingham, both immigrants from Ireland. She was the youngest of eight siblings and a graduate of Girls High School in Boston. Her childhood gave her a uniquely New England mettle that carried her through her long life. She enjoyed a career at the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) and raised four children of her own.

Rita was the beloved wife of the late Walter E. Gayeski, Sr., a longtime Pratt and Whitney test engineer. Together they built a home on devoted love, hard work, and Catholic faith. As the abiding matriarch, Rita found her greatest joy in the lives of her children and their families. She nurtured them all with her loyal presence, constant prayers, and wry sense of humor, while always finding time for skiing, golfing, and dancing.

She is survived by her loving children: her son, Walter E. Gayeski, Jr. and his wife Dr. Suzanne Miller of Cheshire, CT; and her three daughters, Mary Finn and her partner Geoff Tilden of Wiscasset, ME, Catherine Leone and her husband David of Old Saybrook, CT, and Diana Mastropietro and her husband David of Mechanicville, NY. Rita’s legacy of love continues through her eight grandchildren: Anthony Leone, Joseph Gayeski, Luna Gayeski, Erin Mastropietro, Sophie Mastropietro, Anthony Mastropietro, Connor Bryan, and Finn Bryan. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Holly Gayeski, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was predeceased by her beloved sisters, Catherine Bermingham and Mary Ahern, and her five brothers, Joseph, Daniel, John, Richard, and Francis Bermingham.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 7th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, June 8th at 10:30 AM at Saint Pius X Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown, CT. Committal services and burial will follow immediately at Calvary Cemetery, 319 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita's name to Saint Pius X Church. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.